Ratings from 1 to 5On the label of every residential carpeting style, you'll find an easy-to-find, easy-to-understand Performance Rating.

Rated from 1 to 5, the scale represents the carpeting's ability to withstand extended wear. A perfect rating of 5 means that after rigorous, industry-standard testing, the carpeting maintained the appearance of brand new carpet.

A rating of 4.0 or above is considered outstanding. These carpets are recommended for heavy traffic locations, including family rooms and children's areas.

A rating of 2.5 to 4.0 is predicted to provide normal durability. These carpets can be used in most home applications if properly maintained and cleaned.

A rating below 2.5 should be considered for light to moderate traffic areas only, such as bedrooms.

It's not practical to associate years with the carpeting durability rating. There are so many variable factors-area of the home, traffic patterns, number of inhabitants, level of proper maintenance, etc.-that what might be only 3 years of acceptable carpeting performance to one could be a lifetime to another.

The carpet performance rating results from rigorous testing that conforms to industry standards. Some of the factors that determine a carpet's performance rating include the following: